JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Monday night's torrential rains caused flooding that a Rankin County woman said nearly drowned her and her children.
She said her car was trapped in flood waters, and her calls for help went unanswered.
"The water went to pouring up in the car, and we were stuck up under this bridge right here," said Kelicia Shoto.
The Pearl resident said a friend was driving in blinding rain east on Monument Street in Jackson sometime after 10 Monday night.
That's when she said her red Ford Taurus was swept down the hill and into flood waters beneath the viaduct.
"We tried to reverse the car and leave out from there and the wind it was so bad down there and the water was just gushing and we ended up sliding down there anyway and the car just went down quickly," said Shoto.
Worse still Shoto's two daughters, ages three and four, were strapped in their child seats as the waters rose.
"I didn't know what to do. I was just panicking. My babies were back here crying and screaming. He tried to get my kids out, had to put my kids through the window and put them on top of the car and had to swim them across to the other side, get somebody to swim them across to the other side and luckily I had somebody with me," said the upset mother.
The 28-year-old said fortunately her friend was there and several strangers stopped to help.
"We called the police about 15 or 20 times and nobody never showed up, and we stayed out there for hours and hours and hours. I just want to know what's going on?" asked Shoto.
The Rankin County resident said rushing water covered the roof of the vehicle.
It was later pushed to the side of the road while she took her children home.
"I got back down there, and the battery was gone," added Shoto.
Her car was towed to a friend's home but is not working, and she has no insurance.
She's grateful the unknown Jackson residents ventured into the flood waters to rescue her.
"They were the only ones here and they stayed here the whole time and made sure my babies were safe, and I just wanted to tell them thank you so much for being there," said Shoto.
Jackson police officials said they are investigating.
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